ANTEBELLUM KENTUCKY

Antebellum Kentucky

Although Abraham Lincoln moved away from Kentucky early in the nineteenth century, the state continued to have an influence on the future president. Between his close connections with the families of his wife, Mary Todd, and his best friend, Joshua Speed, and his idolization of Henry Clay, Lincoln was shaped by Kentucky culture and politics. Of particular importance were Lincoln’s encounters with slavery. Witnessing slavery impacted his burgeoning opposition to the institution and affected him for years afterward. In Henry Clay, Lincoln found a political hero, whose influence lasted well beyond Clay’s death in 1852. Despite Lincoln’s geographic separation from the state in the antebellum era, Kentucky and Kentuckians continued to play an important role in the life of the future president.

Where to Park at The Filson

The Filson Historical Society is located in the heart of Old Louisville at the corner of Third Street and Ormsby Avenue.

Parking can be accessed from 3rd St. and the alleyway off Ormsby Ave. Additional parking is available as free street parking on 3rd St., 4th St., and Ormsby Ave. Please note there is no entrance to Filson parking from 4th St.

We ask that all day patrons please enter through the Wood Carriage House. For events, attendees should enter through the Owsley Brown II Center unless otherwise noted.